No-one likes a boast, but there are some times when it's perfectly acceptable, even necessary, to boast. Realising what your strengths are and being able to use them to get ahead in life is a useful skill to learn. Here are some of the places you shouldn't be afraid to say "I'm great!".

1) Your UCAS statement

Getting into uni or college isn’t always the easiest process. Higher education establishments deal with thousands of applicants, many of whom will have often identical exam results. Your personal statement can really make you stand out. Don't be afraid to mention your achievements - they could get you that place on the course that you really want.

2) Applying for a job

Many of the jobs young people apply for don't require previous experience. This means employers are hiring based on personality and other achievements. Don't be afraid to mention your athletics medals or dance trophies. Whilst the technical skills may not be relevant to the job, they show your commitment and dedication to a task. Employers are looking for someone motivated and passionate. Be ready to boast about why your achievements make you suitable for a job.

3) Picking school subjects

Deciding what subjects to choose to take at Higher and at National 4s and 5s can be stressful. Finding out where your strengths lie is a great place to start. Being able to say "I want to choose this subject because I'm good at it " should help to convince anyone who questions your decisions.

4) Reviews at work and school

Often in school and in work you'll have regular performance reviews. It's important to speak up about how well you think you're doing in certain areas. This may contribute to you gaining increased responsibility or even a pay rise. But it's also important to accept that you can't be good at everything. Your boss or teacher will respect you if you admit that you're struggling with certain roles or topics. They can then arrange extra help or training to improve your performance.

Time it right

Sometimes it’s not always about what you say but about when you say it. If you’re having a conversation about schoolwork, then feel free to mention that you aced a certain test. It's suitable for the topic and will feel like a natural addition to the conversation. But it might be better not to drop it in when discussing what you watched on TV last night. Even though you're rightfully proud of your achievements, mentioning it at the wrong moment might make you seem full of yourself and could rub people up the wrong way.